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To open September’s Fly Magazine, editor Jessica Smucker reminded us that Fall is a time of transitions. Indeed summer is over. I gave mine a proper send-off this weekend at Dewey Beach Music Conference.

John & Brittany rocked it hard at Dewey Beach Music Conference

I am burnt inside and out. My daughter joined me for part of it and said there’s a new buzz phrase at her college; “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” I’m interpreting that as a license to shoot my mouth off a bit. I’ve spent just over two years introducing myself and Gigspots to people. Let’s see whose attention I’ve won, whose cage I can rattle and how I impact my audience. I have some exciting transitions of my own to share.

KGB on the Gigspots Lawn Stage at Jam at the Dam

I spent a lot of time and money sponsoring stages at shows and festivals this summer. I met, interviewed and filmed a ton of great bands. I gave away piles of free advertising, beer, t-shirts and videos. I had a ball. I’m exhausted yet energized to take the next step. Many bands have begun asking me to find gigs for them. I am taking the leap to begin acting as an agent. I’ve recently filled tour dates for Lovebettie, Triphazard, PASADENA, Bond and Bentley, The Great SOCIO, The Wayfarer Experiment and Harlot. I’m establishing a small circuit tour with several of my client venues where I can offer 2-3 night runs to a band. I also will begin a series of “Gigspots Spotlight” shows where 2-3 acts present a showcase. My favorite part of this announcement is that I’ll be booking the music at Lancaster Dispensing Company for the second Saturday of every month starting in January 2014! Some of you may remember my shows at Chameleon, Bube’s and Boondocks. These will typically be more intimate but man, do I have a funk/hip-hop show and a prog rock show to pop at the right place! So, who wants to work with me? I am actively recruiting bands and venues.

Lovebettie coming at you from The Rattler in Pittston PA!

The newest venue I’m working with is called The Rattler in Pittston, PA (between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton). How cool is it? It’s late 70’s CBGB/late 80’s Chameleon Club cool. Everyone is welcome and anything goes. It’s at the crossroads of Route 11, Route 309 and I-476 so it’s easy to find and visit. You NEPA pals and Pocono ski bums need to get in there. Tell ‘em Gigspots sent you.

I will no longer be doing business with The River Street Jazz Café in Plains. Thank you to Tom Moran for all the great music, food and people you shared with me. It’s a shame our philosophies have become disparate. Best wishes.

This Fall means some special transitions in the Lancaster music scene. DipCo is back in the swing after their summer hiatus with music Fridays and Saturdays. The Fridge has begun hosting music some Mondays: 40-50 tickets for one hot act. So far I’ve seen JP Harris and Toy Soldiers: sweet investment and of course great pizza and beer. After nearly a three-year wait, Federal Taphouse opened with gourmet pizza, 100 draft beers and the promise of live music. In three weeks they pissed off some of the most patient, professional music industry people I’ve ever known. I have no idea what the music status is right now. We’ll see if they can fix things. I wish them well and am here to help.

Tellus 360’s renovations have progressed enough to begin hosting the Table Top Sessions again. The first was 9/7/13 with Brethren and The Big Dirty and it was a hoot! I wrote about it in my blog for FigLancaster.com. They host Rootenanny this year 9/27 with Vinegar Creek Constituency, Mark DeRose & The Dreadnought Brigade and Vulcans. It’s the perfect blend of music and community building as the show benefits Live Green and Bring On Play. Another do-not-miss show is the return of Carsie Blanton 10/3. All this place needs now is its liquor license approval. Anyone who’s walked through its doors already considers it a home away from home. Calling Mr. Sturla, calling Mr. Gray. Call PLCB and tell them to step on it! It’s not a bar! It’s a community hub and Prohibition ended eighty years ago.

Did you know downtown Lancaster now has a legit open mic night every week? It happens at 551 West at 551 W. King (former Kegel’s location) on Tuesday nights. More players are coming every week and it’s a varied, talented bunch so far. Lots of folks from the Blues Society of Central PA seem to have found the place. If you like great food and beer, visit immediately. They have 24 taps and whatever you eat will be your new favorite food. How fresh, local and delicious is it? They do not own a freezer. Just mentioning it makes me hungry. I need to wrap this up. I need a French burger with extra au jus.

Some pledges and considerations on pending transitions:

I will eat breakfast. I will not call six cups of coffee breakfast. 3am post-show breakfasts count.

I will not drink any more. I might even try to drink a little less.

I will not monetize my YouTube channel. Your performances are your property, not mine. And who needs more commercials anyway?

I will not pay Facebook to promote my page. That’s why I have friends, admins and interns. When’s the last time you checked your settings on Facebook.com/Gigspots? If my content isn’t holding your interest, I doubt that paying Facebook will change that.

I will blog more often and include more pictures. I encourage you to post more pictures and links on my Facebook/Twitter/Instagram. I’d love for someone to help me become a better photographer.

I will travel less…NOT. I love my wife, dog and home but very few bands perform at my house. I get 40 event invitations and nearly 300 notifications daily. I can only offer so much help to my music/restaurant/travel industry pals by putting boots on the ground. My boots.

Where to? Did you make my short list for the month?

So lace up your boots, sneakers, whatever and follow me. We’re saving the economy one gig at a time and giving the hardworking musicians, bartenders, baristas and chefs the attention they so richly deserve.